MEMORY TEXT: “And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

In the poor economy of these days, it is not uncommon to see a new house or office building almost completed but abandoned for lack of sufficient funds. I am certain that for each vacant building there is a sad story of the end of hopes and dreams. Any abandoned project represents a defeat.

There are many unfinished symphonies (e.g., by Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Elgar, Shostakovich), but the most commonly referred to is Schubert's No.8 in B minor (1822, D759)—his Unfinished Symphony. No one knows why the 8th was left unfinished—two movements were completed and sketches exist for the scherzo. Romantic solutions have been invented, but the truth seems to be that Schubert either forgot about it or abandoned it.

The parable of the barren fig tree is an unfinished story, but unfinished for a purpose. For three years the owner of the fig tree looked for fruit but found none--none at all, not one fig. Many enjoy the privileges of the gospel and yet do nothing at all to the honor of God or to thank Him for entrusting them with privileges.

The three years of Christ’s public ministry were expiring, and the patience of God was stretched out to long-suffering with many that enjoyed the gospel but did not show the fruits of it. How many times has God come to us seeking fruit but has found none, or next to none, or worse than none! That fig tree not only did not bring forth fruit but it cumbered the ground; it took up the space of a fruitful tree and was injurious to those around it. Those who don’t do good usually do hurt by the influence of their bad example; they grieve and discourage those who are good, and they harden and encourage those that are bad. And the older and more spreading the tree, the greater damage it can do.

The verdict of the landowner was, Cut it down. No other verdict can be expected concerning a barren tree than that it should be cut down and thrown into the fire; and with good reason, for why should it cumber the ground? Why should it have a place in the vineyard? This is the unfinished question. But you have the answer.